Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Arthroscopic Treatment of Chronic Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Retrospective Study with a Minimum of 3 Years of Follow-Up

Aim: This study aimed to determine whether PRP in adjunction of arthroscopic acromioplasty was effective for rotator cuff tendinopathie (RCT). Materials and Methods: Patients (age range, 23 to 73 years) were considered for enrollment if they had shoulder impingement syndrome and 6 months of active conservative treatment had failed, positive radiographic evidence of type II or III acromion, and magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound evidence of RCT. Patients (N=53) underwent consecutive arthroscopic acromioplasty between 2008 and 2012. One group had arthroscopic subacromial decompression with an injection of PRP (N=24) and the other one simple arthroscopic subacromial decompression (N=29). Outcomes evaluation consisted of self-reported pain via a visual analog scale, as well as functional assessment (Constant score, and quick DASH questionnaire). Statistical analyses were performed by use of factorial dependent-measures analysis of variance tests. Results: Mean follow-up at the time of pain evaluation was 37, 3 months (±9,1) for PRP group and 41,4 months (±10,2) for control group. There was a significant difference for the two group between pre and post operative for pain scale. There was statistical difference of the last follow-up between the two groups for the pain evaluated by VAS. The mean VAS at last follow-up was 1,17 (±1,27) for PRP vs 2,5 (±1,69) for control group (p=0,002) respectively. Even there was a significant difference for the two group between pre and postoperative for functional score. There was no statistical difference at the last followup between the two groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that PRP optimize the pain relief of the subacromial decompression in SIS. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective study.